U.S. patent application number 10/565445 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-17 for personal video recorder that records through channel change.
Invention is credited to Chad Andrew Lefevre.
Application Number | 20060182412 10/565445 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34102795 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060182412 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lefevre; Chad Andrew |
August 17, 2006 |
Personal video recorder that records through channel change
Abstract
A method and a personal video recorder (400) for time-shifting a
presentation of multimedia content using a personal video recorder.
A first stream of multimedia content is received on a first channel
and stored to a data store (448) associated with the personal video
recorder. After a channel change request has been received, a
second stream of multimedia content can be received on a second
channel correlating to the channel change request. This second
content stream can be stored to the data store while retaining the
first stream of multimedia content in the data store. During
playback and trick mode operation, the multimedia presentation can
seamlessly transition between the first and second streams of
multimedia content.
Inventors: |
Lefevre; Chad Andrew;
(Indianapolis, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THOMSON LICENSING INC.
PATENT OPERATIONS
PO BOX 5312
PRINCETON
NJ
08543-5312
US
|
Family ID: |
34102795 |
Appl. No.: |
10/565445 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2004 |
PCT Filed: |
July 16, 2004 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US04/22954 |
371 Date: |
January 20, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60488884 |
Jul 21, 2003 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
386/282 ;
386/334; 386/346; 386/E5.001 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 9/8227 20130101;
H04N 5/907 20130101; H04N 5/775 20130101; H04N 5/783 20130101; H04N
9/8042 20130101; H04N 5/76 20130101; H04N 5/85 20130101; H04N 5/781
20130101; H04N 5/765 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
386/065 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/91 20060101
H04N005/91 |
Claims
1. method for time-shifting a presentation of multimedia content
using a recorder comprising: receiving a first stream of multimedia
content on a first channel; storing the first stream of multimedia
content to a data store associated with the recorder; receiving a
channel change request; receiving a second stream of multimedia
content on a second channel correlating to the channel change
request; storing the second stream of multimedia content to the
data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia content
in the data store; receiving a rewind trick mode request;
presenting the second stream of multimedia content in reverse; and
presenting the first stream of multimedia content in reverse after
reaching a beginning of the second stream of multimedia
content.
2. The method according to claim 1 further comprising assigning at
least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of
multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and
second streams of multimedia content are recorded.
3. The method according to claim 1 further comprising assigning at
least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of
multimedia content to identify a channel from which the first and
second streams of multimedia content are recorded.
4. (canceled)
5. The method according to claim 1 further comprising: receiving a
play request; presenting the first stream of multimedia content;
and presenting the second stream of multimedia content after
reaching an end of the first stream of multimedia content.
6. A recorder comprising: an input port for receiving a first
stream of multimedia content on a first channel; a data store for
storing the first stream of multimedia content; a user interface
for receiving a channel change request; a processor for changing a
channel to receive through the input port a second stream of
multimedia content on a second channel correlating to the channel
change request and storing the second stream of multimedia content
to the data store while retaining the first stream of multimedia
content in the data store; and a video decoder that presents the
second stream of multimedia content in reverse, then presents the
first stream of multimedia content in reverse after reaching a
beginning of the second stream of multimedia content.
7. The recorder of claim 6 wherein the processor further assigns at
least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of
multimedia content to identify a sequence in which the first and
second streams of multimedia content are recorded.
8. The recorder of claim 6 wherein the processor further assigns at
least one identifier to each of the first and second streams of
multimedia content to identify a channel from which the first and
second streams of multimedia content are recorded.
9. The recorder of claim 6, said user interface further comprising
a user input device through which a user can choose a user
selectable function to perform a desired recorder operation.
10. (canceled)
11. The recorder of claim 6 further comprising a video decoder that
presents the first stream of multimedia content, then presents the
second stream of multimedia content after reaching an end of the
first stream of multimedia content.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 60/488,874 filed on Jul. 21, 2003, the
entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
GOVERNMENT RIGHTS IN THIS INVENTION
[0002] Not Applicable.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of
digital video recording, and more particularly to personal video
recorders.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Modern day personal video recorders (PVRs) are similar to
video cassette recorders (VCRs) in that they allow users to record
multimedia presentations and view the presentations on a delayed
schedule. Whereas a VCR records multimedia to an analog video tape,
a PVR typically records multimedia to a digital data buffer, such
as a hard disk drive (HDD). However, the multimedia data is deleted
from the PVR data buffer each time a channel change occurs. In
consequence, a user cannot rewind into the channel he was watching
previous to the channel change. Thus, the ability to time-shift a
multimedia presentation is lost in conventional PVR's when a
channel change occurs.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to a method for time-shifting
a presentation of multimedia content using a personal video
recorder. A first stream of multimedia content is received on a
first channel and stored to a data store associated with the
personal video recorder. After a channel change request has been
received, a second stream of multimedia content can be received on
a second channel correlating to the channel change request. This
second content stream can be stored to the data store while
retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data
store.
[0006] At least one identifier can be assigned to each of the first
and second streams of multimedia content to identify a sequence in
which the first and second streams of multimedia content are
recorded or to identify a channel from which the first and second
streams of multimedia content are recorded.
[0007] When a rewind trick mode request is received, the second
stream of multimedia content can be presented in reverse and the
first stream of multimedia content can be presented in reverse
after reaching a beginning of the second stream of multimedia
content. When a play request is received, the first stream of
multimedia content can be presented and the second stream of
multimedia content can be presented after reaching an end of the
first stream of multimedia content.
[0008] The personal video recorder of the invention can include an
input port for receiving a first stream of multimedia content on a
first channel, a data store for storing the first stream of
multimedia content, and a user interface for receiving a channel
change request. A processor can change a channel to receive through
the input port a second stream of multimedia content on a second
channel correlating to the channel change request. The second
stream of multimedia content can be stored to the data store while
retaining the first stream of multimedia content in the data store.
The processor further can assign at least one identifier to each of
the first and second streams of multimedia content to identify a
sequence in which the first and second streams of multimedia
content are recorded or to identify a channel from which the first
and second streams of multimedia content are recorded.
[0009] The user interface can include a user input device through
which a user can choose a user selectable function to perform a
desired personal video recorder operation. A video decoder further
can be included which can present the second stream of multimedia
content in reverse, and then present the first stream of multimedia
content in reverse after reaching a beginning of the second stream
of multimedia content. Further the video decoder can present the
first stream of multimedia content, and then present the second
stream of multimedia content after reaching an end of the first
stream of multimedia content. The transition between the streams of
multimedia content can occur very quickly so the transitions appear
seamless.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be
described below in more detail, with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 shows a flow chart for recording multimedia content
through a channel change.
[0012] FIG. 2 shows a flow chart for presenting multimedia content
recorded from multiple channels in reverse play trick mode.
[0013] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for presenting multimedia content
recorded from multiple channels in forward play at normal playback
speed.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a personal video recorder that
is useful for understanding the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The present invention relates to a method and a system for
recording and retaining a plurality of streams of multimedia
content in a recording device, such as a Personal Video Recorder
(PVR), through channel changes. Accordingly, a user who is
recording a first stream of multimedia content from a first channel
can change to a second channel and, responsive to the channel
change, the PVR can begin recording a second stream of multimedia
content from the second channel. Meanwhile, the first stream of
multimedia content can be retained within a data store.
Accordingly, the user still can access the multimedia content
recorded from the first channel, even though the channel has
changed. Moreover, the user can sequentially play the plurality of
streams of multimedia content in the order that the content was
recorded or in any other desired playback sequence.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a flow chart 100 for recording
multimedia content through a channel change is presented. Beginning
at step 105, a first stream of multimedia content can be received
by the PVR on a first channel. The first stream of multimedia
content can be stored to a data store associated with the PVR, as
shown in step 110. The data store is discussed in the context of
FIG. 4 with greater detail.
[0017] Proceeding to step 115, an identifier can be stored with the
first stream of multimedia content. For example, the identifier can
be a channel identifier. The identifier also can be an identifier,
which is used to identify a position of the first stream of
multimedia content within a sequence recorded multimedia content
streams. For example, the identifier can be a sequential number or
a time stamp. Still, the invention is not so limited and the
identifier can be any type of identifier that can be assigned to a
stream of multimedia content.
[0018] Referring to decision box 120 and step 125, if the user
wishes to stop recording at this point, the recording can be
stopped. However, the recording of the first stream of multimedia
content can continue. Continuing to decision box 130, if a channel
change request is received the PVR can begin receiving a second
stream of multimedia content on a next channel, as shown in step
135. Proceeding to step 140, the second stream of multimedia
content from the next channel can be recorded to the data store.
Meanwhile, the first stream of multimedia content can be retained
in the data store. An identifier can be stored with the second
stream of multimedia content, as shown in step 145.
[0019] Referring back to decision boxes 120 and 130, the process
can continue to record additional streams of multimedia content
while further channel changes are made. Thus, any number of streams
of multimedia content can be recorded. The process can end when a
user chooses to stop recording or a recording timer has timed
out.
[0020] In one arrangement, the identifiers assigned to the first
and second streams can be used to delineate the first and second
streams of multimedia content. Alternatively, the PVR can merge two
or more streams of multimedia content into a single stream. For
instance, the PVR can record the first stream of multimedia content
and, when the channel changes, the PVR can continue recording the
second stream of multimedia content without providing a delineator
between the two streams.
[0021] In another arrangement, the PVR can continue recording the
first stream of multimedia content while recording the second
stream of multimedia content from the next channel. The identifiers
recorded with each stream can be used to differentiate the-streams.
In this case, an additional identifier can be provided with each
stream of multimedia content to identify points in the streams that
correlate to the channel change.
[0022] In one arrangement, the user can be alerted via the user
interface in the instance that the amount of multimedia content
that is stored approaches the capacity of the data store.
Additionally, recorded multimedia content can be selectively
overwritten when the data store capacity is reached. For example,
the selection of which multimedia content to overwrite can be
determined based upon which multimedia content has the oldest time
stamp(s), which multimedia content has been identified as
unimportant by a user, or any other desired criteria.
[0023] During playback, the PVR can seamlessly transition between
the first stream of multimedia content and the second stream at
points in each stream correlating to the channel change. For
example, FIG. 2 shows a flow chart 200 for presenting multimedia
content recorded from multiple channels in reverse play trick mode.
Beginning at step 205, a reverse play trick mode request can be
received by the PVR and the second stream of multimedia content can
be presented in reverse, as shown in step 210. Referring to
decision box 215 and step 220, when the beginning of the second
stream is reached the PVR can stop presentation of the second
stream. Continuing at step 225, the PVR then can present the first
data stream in reverse play. Importantly, steps 220 can 225 can be
performed rapidly so that the transition between the streams of
multimedia content appears instantaneous.
[0024] An example of presenting multimedia content recorded from
multiple channels in forward play at normal playback speed is shown
in FIG. 3. Beginning at step 305, a play request can be received by
the PVR and the first stream of multimedia content can be presented
at normal playback speed, as shown in step 310. Referring to
decision box 315 and step 320, when the end of the first stream is
reached the PVR can stop presentation of the first stream.
Continuing at step 325, the PVR then can present the second data
stream. Again, steps 320 can 325 can be performed rapidly so that
the transition between the streams of multimedia content appears
instantaneous.
[0025] At this point it should be noted that the present invention
is not limited to the aforementioned examples. Importantly, any
suitable trick modes can be performed using the plurality of
recorded streams of multimedia content. In an arrangement where a
recording of the first stream of multimedia content continued after
the channel change, the identifier identifying the point in the
first stream correlating to the channel change can be used to
signal playback to switch from the first stream to the second
stream. In another arrangement, a visual and/or audio indicator can
be provided via a user interface to alert a user at a portion of
the first stream correlating to a channel change, which had
occurred during recording. The user can be provided with an option
to override the channel change during playback.
[0026] A block diagram of a PVR 400 incorporating means for
recording and retaining a plurality of streams of multimedia
content in the PVR through channel changes is shown in FIG. 4. The
PVR 400 can include a processor, for example digital signal
processor (DSP) 402 or any other suitable processor, a key and
display board 420, a tuner 440, an A/V input selector 438, a USB
input 446, a storage device 448 and a program information module
450. Additionally, the PVR 400 can include first and second
infra-red (IR) links 430 and 432, a video overlay encoder 452, a
video switch 460, a headphone jack 434, a standard A/V component
connector block 470, a YPbPr component connector block 480, and a
Sony/Phillips digital interface (SPDIF) connector block 490.
[0027] The component connector blocks 470, 480 and 490 can provide
audio/video signals in a variety of output formats. For example,
the standard A/V component connector block 470 can comprise an
S-video connector 472 for outputting to a video display video that
has been separated into chrominance and luminance video signals and
a composite video connector 474 for providing a standard composite
video signal. Further, the standard A/V component connector block
470 can comprise left and right audio output connectors, 476 and
478, respectively.
[0028] The YPbPr component connector block 480 is typically used
for high definition television (HDTV). The YPbPr component
connector block 480 comprises a video luminance (Y) output
connector 482 for providing an analog video luminance component, a
Pb output connector 484 for providing an analog blue color
difference (B--Y), and a Pr output connector 486 for providing an
analog red color difference (R--Y). Lastly, the SPDIF component
connector block 490 comprises a coaxial output 492 and an optical
output 494 for outputting digital audio signals via a coaxial cable
or fiber optic cable, respectively.
[0029] The key and display board 420 can be provided as a user
interface for the PVR 400. The key and display board 420 can
incorporate a keypad 422, a display 424, an IR remote control
interface 426 and a real time clock 428. By using the keypad 422 or
the IR remote control interface 426, a user can select functions to
be executed by the PVR 400 to perform a desired PVR operation. For
example, a user can choose to change channels on the PVR 400 or to
perform trick mode playback. The real time clock 428 can keep time,
which can be shown by the display 424. The display 424 also can
show other information as well, for example a trick mode being
executed by the PVR 400, a selected channel being recorded by the
PVR 400, or an identifier representative of a presentation being
shown on a video display.
[0030] First and second IR links 430 and 432 form a set of
communication links between satellite and non-satellite
applications to help simplify the interface between the audio,
video, and data streams. The first IR link 430 can be a
communication interface between the DSP 402 and other devices
having an IR communication link. Notably, the first IR link 430 can
be useful for controlling other devices designed specifically for
aired or cable television broadcasts or radio broadcasts using
standard program guide information. The first IR link 430 also can
enable features to simplify the consumer's interaction between
devices. For example, the first IR link 430 can enable one touch
program recording, as well as other user conveniences. The second
IR link 432 can provide an interface between the program
information module 450 and other devices having IR communication
links. Significantly, the second IR link 432 can be useful for
communicating with devices not requiring a direct connection to DSP
402, for example with a cable reception device, a VCR, etc.
[0031] The DSP 402 can execute programmed functions and process
user inputs. For instance, the DSP 402 can receive user inputs for
changing channels and establishing/changing recording parameters.
The DSP 402 can comprise an analog to digital (A/D) converter 404,
an MPEG encoder/decoder 406, a field programmable gate array (FPGA)
408, a recorder/playback interface 410, a video digital encoder
412, an audio digital to analog converter (audio D/A) 414 and a
SPDIF output 416. The DSP 402 can further include one or more data
busses enabling the different DSP components to communicate with
each other and cooperatively process data. Notably, interrupt
requests (IRQs) and direct memory addresses (DMAs) can be utilized
to facilitate bus communications and data processing.
[0032] Audio/Video (A/V) input selector 438 can include a plurality
of A/V inputs. For example, the input selector 438 can incorporate
an A/V input to receive streams of multimedia content from tuner
440. For instance, the tuner 440 can include an input port for
receiving streams of multimedia content. Importantly, the tuner 440
can be configured to receive a plurality of streams of multimedia
content simultaneously over multiple channels.
[0033] The input selector also can receive multimedia content from
various other input devices as well. For example, a video camera
can send multimedia content to the input selector 438 via front A/V
input 442, and a VCR can send multimedia content via rear A/V input
444. Significantly, other A/V devices can be connected to the A/V
input selector 438 as well.
[0034] The A/V input selector 438 can forward the received
multimedia content to DSP 402. The DSP's A/D converter 404 can be
used to convert multimedia content received in an analog format to
a digital format. Multimedia content already in digital format can
bypass the analog to digital conversion, for example, multimedia
content received via a digital interface 446.
[0035] FPGA 408 can provide processing instructions for data
received from the A/V input selector 438 or the digital interface
446, depending on the type of data received. For example, if
multimedia content is received in an uncompressed form, FPGA 408
can forward the multimedia content to MPEG encoder/decoder 406 for
MPEG compression prior to being sent to the record/playback
interface 410. However, if multimedia content is received in an
MPEG compressed format, FPGA 408 can forward the multimedia content
straight to the receive/playback interface 410. In either case the
FPGA 408 can provide read/write instructions to the record/playback
interface 410, which then can store the multimedia content onto
data store 448. The read/write instructions can include
instructions for assigning identifiers to the multimedia content.
For instance, the instructions can require that a unique identifier
be assigned to each stream of multimedia content, that time stamps
be assigned to portions of the multimedia content, that points in
streams of multimedia content correlating to channel changes be
identified, and/or any other suitable identifiers be provided in
the recorded multimedia content.
[0036] MPEG encoder/decoder 406 can perform MPEG compression and
decompression on digital multimedia content. For example, MPEG
encoder/decoder 406 can receive digital multimedia content from A/D
converter 404 or digital interface 446, compress the digital
multimedia content using an MPEG format, and forward the compressed
digital multimedia content to the receive/playback interface 410.
The receive/playback interface 410 then can store the compressed
digital multimedia content to data store 448. The MPEG
encoder/decoder 406 can encode the multimedia content with time
stamps and/or identifiers. The real time clock 428 can be used to
generate time stamps, but the invention is not so limited. For
example, a clock internal to the DSP 402 or any other timing device
can be used. The identifiers and/or time stamps can be processed by
the MPEG encoder/decoder 406 and/or the digital video encoder 412
during playback of the multimedia content, as previously noted.
[0037] The data store 448 can include one or more data storage
devices. For example, a data storage device can be a magnetic
storage medium, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), an optical storage
medium, such as a digital video disk (DVD), an electronic storage
medium, such as random access memory (RAM), a magneto/optical
storage medium, or any other suitable storage device. Moreover, the
data store 448 can include any combination of storage devices.
[0038] The data store 448 can be connected to the record/playback
interface 410 via any suitable communications bus. For example, the
data store 410 can be connected to the record/playback interface
410 via an IEEE-1394 bus (FireWire, i.LINK), a universal serial bus
(USB), an advanced technology attachment (ATA) bus, a serial ATA
(SATA) bus, a peripheral component interconnect (PCI) bus, or any
other suitable communications interface.
[0039] During playback the receive/playback interface 410 can read
multimedia content from data store 448. The multimedia content then
can be forwarded to MPEG encoder/decoder 406 for decompression.
After decompression the multimedia content can be separated into
video and audio signals. The audio signal can be forwarded to SPDIF
416 to be output digitally via coaxial output 492 or optical output
494. The audio signal also can be forwarded to audio D/A converter
414 for D/A conversion. After D/A conversion the audio signal can
be output via headphone jack 434 and/or left and right audio
outputs 476 and 478.
[0040] The video signal can be processed by video digital encoder
412, which can perform D/A conversion on the video signal as well
as encode the video signal into a variety formats. For example, the
video signal can be encoded into an RGB format, separated into
luminance and chrominance (Y+C) signals, or encoded into a
composite video signal having a National Television Standards
Committee (NTSC) format. The composite video and the Y+C video
signals can be forwarded to video switch 460, while the RGB video
signal can be forwarded to the video overlay encoder 452.
[0041] The video overlay encoder 452 can comprise overlay module
454, NTSC video encoder 456, and YPbPr matrix encoder 458. The
overlay module 454 can receive program information from a program
information module 450 and graphically overlay the program
information onto the video signal. The program information module
450 can extract the program information from a program guide. The
program guide can be provided from a myriad of sources. For
example, the program guide can be provided from an on-line source,
a modem dialup connection, a pager network, etc. The program guide
also can be contained in incoming multimedia content received by
the A/V input selector 438 and communicated to the program
information module 450 by the DSP 402.
[0042] The program information can include available programs for
each channel as well as program scheduling. Further, for each
individual program the program information can include a program
identifier, channel information, recording time, program duration,
scene data, program credits, etc. Other information and graphics
may be overlayed onto the video signal as well. For example, a
clock, text blocks, user information, menus, icons, pictures, etc.
can be overlayed onto the video signal. Typically, information is
overlayed onto the video signal when requested by a user or upon
some pre-defined event. However, some information, such as a
channel identifier, can be continually overlayed over the video
signal.
[0043] The NTSC encoder can output the video signal as an NTSC
formatted composite video signal, as well as video separated into
separate luminance and chrominance signals. The video signals then
can be forwarded to the video switch 460. The video switch 460 can
be used to select for display either the NTSC encoded video signal
or the video signal generated by the video digital encoder 412.
Composite video signals from either source can be output via
composite video output connector 474, while chrominance and
luminance video signals from either source can be output via the
S-video output connector 472.
[0044] The YPbPr matrix encoder 458 can generate a YPbPr formatted
analog video signal. As previously noted, the YPbPr video signal
includes a video luminance (Y) component, an analog blue color
difference (B--Y), and an analog red color difference (R--Y). The Y
component can be output to the Y output connector 482, the (B--Y)
difference can be output to the Pb output connector 484 and the
(R--Y) difference can be output to the Pr output connector 486.
[0045] While the foregoing is directed to the preferred embodiment
of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the
invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope
thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that
follow.
* * * * *